Moreton Bay City Pulse proudly recruit from within, yet even the strongest pathway program must give way when two of the world's greatest netballers put their hands up to play.
Searching for an edge in 2026 after finishing last in their inaugural HART Premier Netball League Sapphire season the year prior, the competition's newest franchise is currently home to Silver Ferns legends Laura Langman and Katrina Rore.
Pulse head coach Kerrianne 'KC' Farrelly said the Kiwi connection was secured through her new assistant coach, Cat Tuivaiti, another former Silver Fern.
"We've also had another Kiwi come across in Lisa Mather (Pulse captain), and we have ex-Silver Fern, Temalisi Fakahokotau coming back from injury, so there's definitely a New Zealand theme but, in saying that, we cover many cultures," Farrelly said.
"We've got Kiesha Muckan, who has ambitions to make the First Nations Black Swans squad again, and Papua New Guinea Pepes representative Michaela Kadlecek."
Yet it's the Langman-Rore addition that's recently lifted the level of netball within the Pulse environment.
"The biggest thing is the growth that I'm seeing from my younger players," Farrelly said.
"Laura and Katrina are two of the most giving people, as far as experience and knowledge. When I've had one-on-one time with a couple of my young players, they say to me, 'I can’t believe I get to play alongside my idol'."
Both were absent for the Round 1 30-point loss to the Gold Coast Titans before debuting in Pulse colours and making a significant impact in a 66-36 victory over the Sunshine Coast Thunder.
"Obviously having them on board has lifted the team and brought out the best in all players, they have fitted in and maintained a happy unit," Farrelly said.
"We're competitive, and we've already done better this early in the season compared to last year overall. We won one game last year and have already won two this season. Our team's mantra is to do and be better, and we're kicking goals at the moment."
The Pulse head into this Sunday’s Round 8 clash with the Thunder confident, and with the knowledge both players are available for the full season.
"It's a privilege because they're so down to earth and accommodating," Farrelly said.
"The team comes first and nothing changes that for me, but there's never going to be a negative about having legends with so much talent and knowledge that they're willing to share. It's been absolutely wonderful."
Currently positioned sixth on the ladder and only two wins outside finals qualification, this Pulse side is having just as much fun off the court as on it.
"NZ-Aussie humour is something we gravitate to," Farrelly said.
"We can take the mickey out of each other, and it's nice not being the only Kiwi. Laura and Katrina joke all the time about being old, they certainly don’t play like they’re old. Goodness, that makes me an old, old veteran. Their brains are even more switched on, and they're amazing players to watch. Not only netball legends, but great ladies off the court."
Netball Queensland's NetballQ TV, the home of community netball in Queensland, is delivering live and free coverage of the state’s most exciting grassroots and pathways competitions, including the HART Premier Netball League Sapphire and Ruby Series. Click here to access NetballQ TV.
